Forest Fires

CFlyer · 03-17-2010, 03:03 AM

Summer is here and camp grounds are warm. How can we prevent making forest fires? I have watched a documentary which tells us that one cause of a forest fire is from camp fires.

Lovefall · 03-17-2010, 06:43 AM

You can prevent forest fires by being careful and always watching the fire. Don't let the fire get out of control. Don't put the campfire in a really dry area with a lot of trees. You should also use a fire pit ring.

woodzman · 03-19-2010, 08:20 PM

Lovefall gave some good advise. I might add never making a bigger fire than needed, clearing flammable materials from the immediate area around your fire, and making sure It's out before leaving it.

HikerChick · 03-20-2010, 01:08 PM

Making sure it's out can actually be harder than you think sometimes. Kicking dirt and stuff on it might put out the flames, but embers can still exist even in a fire that has appeared to burn itself out. Those embers can last for over a day, and a gust of wind can blow them and start a fire. Be EXTRA sure before you leave or go to sleep that it's ALL out!

enzo · 03-21-2010, 01:31 PM

Keep the area of your fire clear of debris like dry grass, grass clippings, leaves, dead branches and pine needles. Another tip is that you should maintain a water source nearby your camping area.

southerngal · 03-23-2010, 07:38 PM

Like the others have said make SURE it's out it's one of those check and check again situations. If you are leaving the site for good I would probably even pour water on it to make sure it is completely out.

failghe · 03-23-2010, 10:22 PM

Be sure to stir the coals and ashes while pouring water and sand over the fire pit. If you can touch the ashes/coals with your hand the fire should be out. By stirring you are sure to get the water to the bottom of the fire.
Make sure you don't have any glass bottles laying around I wouldn't be surprised if the sun gets magnified by the bottle and lights up some really dry leaves. (you shouldn't have glass anyway)